Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education (ECE) focuses on the academic, social, and cognitive development of children from birth through third grade. If you are passionate about working with young children and do not wish to teach beyond third grade, this program is designed for you.
Build the Foundation for Lifelong Learning
Our Early Childhood Education programs prepare teacher candidates to support children during the most critical years of development. Grounded in constructivist theory, you will learn how children construct knowledge through play, relationships, and meaningful experiences.
Teacher candidates engage in hands-on learning, reflection, and real-world application to develop the skills needed to create nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environments.
Available Programs
Early Childhood Education
Pre-service training leading to Class “B” certification
Preparation to teach PreK–3rd grade
Career pathways include public schools, child development centers
Head Start programs, family childcare, and military child and youth services
Technical Education: Early Instructor Option (Non-Certification)
Hands-on experience combined with theory
Fully online program option
Prepares teacher candidates for roles in early learning settings such as Head Start
Educational Studies – Early Childhood Concentration
Flexible pathway focused on early childhood foundations
Supports careers in education-related fields without certification
Which Program is Right for You?
Early Childhood (Certification)
- Leads to teacher certification
- Requires TEP admission and internship
- Offered in on-campus and blended formats
- Qualifies graduates to teach in public schools
Technical Education: Early Instructor (Non-Certification)
- Does not lead to certification
- No TEP or internship required
- Fully online
- Prepares for roles in early learning programs (e.g. Head Start Programs)
Start Quickly: Teacher Assistant Certification
- Early Childhood Teacher Assistant Certificate
- Can be completed in one semester
- Leads to roles such as Auxiliary Teacher in Pre-K programs or CDA pathway
- 3 Required Courses
- Important Note: These courses are not covered by financial aid
How You Will Learn
Our programs are grounded in constructivist principles, where learning is active, social, and reflective. You will:
Design play-based and inquiry-driven learning experiences
Observe and analyze how children think and learn
Reflect on your teaching practices
Facilitate meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities
Flexible and Accessible
Designed with working adults in mind, our programs provide flexible options to support your goals.
Traditional, blended, and fully online course options
Provisional certification opportunities for paraprofessionals and teacher aides
Credit for prior learning and experience (PLA)
Learn by Doing
Candidates participate in meaningful field experiences and clinical practice, connecting coursework to real early childhood settings and developing the skills needed to support diverse learners.
Make Your Degree More Affordable
Where This Degree Can Take You
• PreK–3rd grade classrooms
• Child development centers
• Head Start programs
• Family child care settings
• Military child and youth services
• Early childhood leadership and support roles